Jaipur, Sept. 13 -- Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Manipur, calling it a formality. Responding to media queries, Gehlot said the Prime Minister should have gone to the violence-hit state much earlier. "He is just going for four hours. I had demanded earlier that the PM must visit. I even told the home minister two months ago-why are you not able to convince him? As home minister, you know the importance of the PM's visit. People feel reassured when the Prime Minister himself comes, it shows he is aware of their problems," Gehlot said. He added that Modi's delayed visit has cost precious time. "Had the PM gone earlier, maybe peace could have been restored sooner. When the PM goes, people believe their grievances are being directly understood by him. That makes a big difference," the Congress leader remarked. On being asked about respect for Modi's late mother, Gehlot said such issues should not become subjects of political debate. "Leave this aside-every mother is respected. Rahul Gandhi too respected Modi ji's mother. Who would one not respect a mother? In this country, every mother is respected, whether she belongs to the ruling party or the opposition. A mother is a mother-there is no substitute for her in this world. Debating over mothers' respect is, in my view, not appropriate. It is not a good thing in itself. A mother is a mother, for everyone," he said. He expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Nepal, saying India should have played a more decisive role in preventing the crisis. Gehlot said, "This is a matter of concern. First Sri Lanka, then Bangladesh, Afghanistan was already unstable, and now Nepal. Such incidents disturb our people too. India is a big country, capable of giving leadership. It was our moral responsibility to ensure such situations do not arise in neighbouring states." Referring to the recent violence and arson in Nepal, including attacks on public representatives, Gehlot called it "a shameful incident." Gehlot added, "When the people of a neighbouring country hear about such events, it shakes our image. Ours is the land of Gandhi, of peace and non-violence. Rahul Gandhi himself has always spoken of love and brotherhood - his message of running a 'shop of love in the market of hate' reflects that philosophy." The Congress leader criticised the Modi government for its failure to prevent instability in neighbouring nations. "Whichever country is behind it, that's a matter of speculation. The External Affairs Ministry may clarify, but the truth is India has a responsibility to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood in neighbouring countries. If governments collapse and Prime Ministers are forced to flee, then clearly our government has failed in discharging that responsibility," the senior Congress leader said. The former CM made the remarks after addressing a programme for students organised by Jawahar Bal Manch. "If children develop a sense of leadership with strong values, they will not only understand the country's history but also be aware of the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle. Learning about the freedom movement, the sacrifices made by revolutionaries and the struggles faced by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and others will inspire them to serve the country with a sense of duty and sacrifice," he said. Commenting on Gehlot's remarks, BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bharadwaj said,"Gehlot ji could not manage Rajasthan when he was chief minister, yet he talks about the entire country. Prime Minister Modi has been making all necessary efforts to improve the situation in Manipur from day one. The Home Minister himself visited the state, and the situation is now under control. During Congress governments, the situation there used to remain disturbed for years." Bharadwaj alleged that Gehlot makes baseless statements just to remain in news....